Tavernspite Primary, Pembrokeshire

Inspection comments - 2017

The school provides extensive and effective opportunities for pupils to learn in the outdoors. For example pupils use ‘real’ tools, experience cooking on an open fire and develop wider life skills such as communication and problem solving successfully during regular visits to local woodland and forest school sites.

Almost all pupils have a good understanding of how to stay healthy and safe. They benefit from the school’s strong outdoor ethos that encourages pupils to enjoy fresh air and exercise in all weathers. Pupils are excited about the many opportunities they have to keep fit in school. For example, early years pupils develop their strength and fitness well using equipment such as ropes on the pirate ship, bikes and scooters.

There is a strong emphasis on supporting pupils to develop worthwhile personal and social skills,which begin to prepare them well for adult life. For example, there are valuable opportunities for pupils to join in regular trips such as to a local woodland. These visits provide rich learning experiences for pupils in engaging contexts that develop their physical and social skills particularly effectively. Working together on the woodland site helps pupils build friendships, develop their confidence and learn to co-operate with one another effectively. The purposeful emphasis on developing an appreciation of the outdoors inspires a sense of awe and wonder at the natural environment that underpins education about sustainability meaningfully as well as promoting pupils’ wellbeing effectively.

Tavernspite Primary – Estyn Dec 2017